By Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial candidate for Edo South in the 2027 general elections, Rt. Hon. Matthew Aigbuhuenze Iduoriyekemwen, has challenged Governor Monday Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration to provide a comprehensive account of public funds appropriated under its watch, particularly as residents continue to grapple with poor road infrastructure, unemployment and limited industrial development.

Iduoriyekemwen, a former Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, said the people of Edo State deserved verifiable evidence of development rather than government publicity and repeated project announcements without corresponding improvements in their living conditions.

He expressed concern over the condition of roads across several communities in Edo South, noting that poor infrastructure continues to affect commercial activities, increase transportation costs and make movement difficult for residents.

He questioned the administration’s infrastructure claims, arguing that several communities and connecting roads remained in deplorable conditions, with some difficult to access.

According to him, roads are critical to economic development because they connect communities, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, promote trade and attract investment.

“It is unfortunate that several communities in Edo South continue to struggle with bad roads while government officials celebrate achievements and announce development projects.

“Roads are not luxury projects. They are essential infrastructure that connects communities, promotes commerce, attracts investment and improves the quality of life.

“How can we talk about economic growth when farmers cannot conveniently transport their produce, traders struggle to access markets and motorists spend substantial amounts maintaining their vehicles because of bad roads?” he asked.

The ADC candidate also raised concerns over what he described as insufficient industrial expansion and the lack of large-scale employment opportunities for the state’s growing youth population.

He argued that Edo State, with its human resources, agricultural potential, natural resources and strategic economic location, should be attracting manufacturing companies and industries capable of generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

He questioned the number of new manufacturing industries established under the present administration and the sustainable employment opportunities created for graduates, artisans and skilled workers.

“Our youths graduate from universities and other institutions every year, but where are the industries to employ them? This is one of the economic challenges that government must urgently address.

“Where are the factories, manufacturing companies, agro-processing plants and technology-driven enterprises that should be providing opportunities for our young people?

“We cannot continue to celebrate political appointments and occasional empowerment programmes as substitutes for a productive economy. Edo needs industries, investment and a deliberate economic policy that creates jobs,” he said.

Iduoriyekemwen called for a comprehensive industrialisation programme driven by public-private partnerships, investment incentives, vocational training, agricultural processing and the development of industrial clusters across the state.

He said the need to promote economic development, create employment and improve the living conditions of residents informed his decision to seek election to represent Edo South in the Senate.

On public finance, the former lawmaker challenged the Okpebholo administration to provide a transparent account of the state’s budgetary provisions for 2025 and 2026, which, according to him, exceed ₦1.6 trillion when combined.

He stressed that budgetary allocations should not be confused with actual revenue received or expenditure incurred, but maintained that the figures made public by the government should be supported with verifiable implementation reports.

He called on the state government to disclose how much had been released and spent, the projects executed, their costs, contractors involved and the level of completion.

“Over ₦1.6 trillion is a substantial amount of public resources. Edo people deserve to know what has been achieved with the money.

“How many kilometres of roads have been completed? How many new industries have been established? How many sustainable jobs have been created? How many communities have experienced significant improvements in their living conditions?

“These are not unreasonable questions. They are questions every responsible government should be prepared to answer.

“We are not interested in budget figures being celebrated on paper. We want to see the physical evidence of development in our communities,” he said.

He specifically called for the publication of budget implementation reports, project costs, contractors’ details, payment records and the status of major projects across the state.

The ADC candidate further said Edo South required effective representation at the National Assembly, with greater emphasis on legislation, oversight, strategic interventions and the attraction of federal development projects.

He noted that the district, comprising Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia North-East, Ovia South-West, Orhionmwon and Uhunmwonde Local Government Areas, deserved representation that addressed the economic and infrastructural challenges confronting its communities.

According to him, the responsibilities of a senator go beyond political appearances and ceremonial engagements to include effective lawmaking, oversight of government activities and the pursuit of policies and interventions that benefit constituents.

He also advocated increased federal investment in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, industrial development, youth employment and entrepreneurship.

Iduoriyekemwen cautioned against interpreting constructive criticism of government as political hostility, stressing that accountability and transparency were fundamental principles of democratic governance.

He said citizens had the constitutional right to question government policies, demand transparency and assess the performance of elected officials.

“Government is not doing the people a favour by providing roads, hospitals, schools and other public infrastructure. These are responsibilities that come with the mandate entrusted to elected leaders.

“We cannot measure governance by the number of press releases, political celebrations, photographs of officials commissioning projects or awards received. We must measure it by the impact of government policies and projects on the lives of ordinary citizens,” he said.

He urged Governor Okpebholo to use the second anniversary of his administration as an opportunity to present a comprehensive performance scorecard supported by verifiable records of expenditure and project delivery.

The former lawmaker reiterated his intention to offer Edo South a political alternative under the platform of the ADC, adding that the 2027 senatorial election would provide an opportunity for voters to assess candidates based on their experience, policy proposals, accountability and plans for the district.

He said his emergence as the ADC senatorial candidate would be a blessing the the people of Edo South.

He urged residents, youths, professionals, traders, community leaders and other stakeholders to remain actively involved in the democratic process and demand accountability from public officeholders.

“Edo people deserve good roads, industries, employment opportunities and responsible leadership. Our youths deserve a future, not endless promises. Our communities deserve development, not excuses.

“The resources of Edo State belong to its people, and they have every right to demand accountability,” he added.